Length of center section struts

[mbarkeralaska]

HI folks
In the past I have seen some discussion on lengthening the center section cabane struts, to give us taller folks better access under the wing. I seem to remember a number of folks extending them 2 inches (some even discussed 4 inches). Is this 2 inch increase still a good idea? Are folks still doing it? As a tall guy I think it would help a bit, but also don't want to do the wrong thing. Presently I am in the process of building all the center section metal parts, and soon starting on the center section. And also buying the strut material. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks. Mark

[taildrags]

I think the ones on 41CC were extended a bit but I'll check. They are definitely tilted aft to improve the CG situation.

-Oscar

[taildrags]

The cabane struts on 41CC are the length shown on the plans but since they are slanted aft to adjust the CG, the wing is brought closer to the pilot's head and blocks access to the cockpit just a little more than if they were installed vertically. The plane has a centersection "flop panel" to make it easier to get into the cockpit and I had no trouble getting in and out of it.

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR

[Richard Roller]

Most of the Piets I've seen have extended cabanes. 2" seems pretty common. I've seen 4", but, to me, it seems excessive. Doesn't look right.

34KP has cabanes made to the drawings. It is tight to get into the front cockpit. There is actually better headroom in the front cockpit, due to the under camber of the wing and the seat being slightly lower than the rear cockpit. My head hits the wing in the back, so I fly with flop unclipped.

34KP has 1.685" x .714", .049" streaminline tubes for the cabanes and 1.18" x .5", .035" streamline tubes for the cabane braces. All are 4130 steel.

[mbarkeralaska]

Hi Richard......... thanks so much
Great info. Also for the strut sizes.
I think I will do the 2 inch increase, unless I get other info. I also liked how you attached the diagonals to the forward struts. I was wondering if I should weld up an attach fitting for the diagonals when building the center section strut fittings. But I think I like how clean yours look. I might go for adjustable first, with rod ends until I get all the geometry correct, and then weld them solid like yours. ........... thanks for the info..... Mark